I had a physical reaction to those buttons

I invested in Piano Gloss Plastic™ in 2014, and I no longer have to flee the law due to unpaid child support. Thanks PGP™! 👍

By subscribing to Savage Geese, my bodily emissions improved and avoided a multi-million dollar scandal

Car users: "We don't want everything on the touch screen, we want separate controls!" VW: "Say no more fam. We gave you capacitive buttons that you still have to look at in order to know what you are pushing." Car users: "WTF"

Testament to these guys: I'm not going to buy a car anytime soon, and I would never buy this, but now I am watching this video and amazed. The biggest problem with Tesla is that they somehow managed to infect the entire industry with touchscreens and horrible non-buttons. Tactile analog knobs literally save lives, guys.

Whenever I see car that is offered in both US and Europe, I cannot stop feeling that Europe trims are better quality...

Just reserved one, there's a hidden option to upgrade the audio. When you speak with your dealer ask for Ignacio. He'll put a phone-fitting ceramic coffee mug in the cup holder, perfect harmonic balance.

The audio system descriptions / analogies alone are worth it subscribing to Savagegeese XD

I just bought a new leftover 2020 SEL FWD. window sticker was 42k, paid 30k. Nice thing about the 2020s is I still have physical buttons on the steering wheel and climate control . I absolutely love the car.

Forty-seven THOUSAND for the premium audio?! That thing better move me to tears for more reasons than just the bill!

This comment section is wild. I love it. This is the right place. So sofisticated and snarky at the same time. Mindblowing.

I bought a 2018. It's one of few cars ever made where the inside and outside design are integrated. Amazing attention to detail, great build quality, tech that works, and in Sports + Mode is very fast with 0-100 in 4.9 - faster than most 'sports' cars. I sold my Benz to get it.

I honestly can’t even explain how much I enjoy these reviews! I’m not into Volkswagen but the comprehensive review and honest opinions make these video amazing! The whole audio testing is on another level! All the facts and details you gather and show the viewers really is astounding

VW marketing dept: Americans like trucks more than big cars VW design: fine then, we'll give them a big car with the stereo system of a ford ranger

Before watching Savage Geese I was told I would do nothing with my life. Now I only quote from your videos and my hair flows in the wind like a Spanish soap opera show opening.

Probably the best objective car review I’ve seen on KZfaq and I’ve seen too many. Great balance of input about mechanical, performance, utility practicality, and comfort all with a sense of “I don’t give a damn what people think of this review”. I’m weighing a purchase decision between this car and the Audi A5 Sportback and this was very helpful in that process. Subscribed. Thx.

As soon as he started talking about touch controls and screens, the car lost me. I despise not having buttons. I despise touch controls on a car. I was interested but VW failed me.

Thanks to Savagegeese, i purchased a Patagonia vest and have now a 12 inch hog with a model on each arm.

I don't know why the American public doesn't like hatchbacks. They are imminently practical and give the car additional style. Great review!

One of those cars that looks 100x better in person. Hope this brings in some more hatch sedan reviews from mr goose man.

The depreciation curve on this car will break your foot if your foot gets in the way.

That gearshift lever looks like a complete afterthought - it's obvious by how much it block the climate control panel in "park" that the car was supposed to get the buttons like new Golf. I imagine some beancounter has decided that they've got a warehouse full of levers to use. It's the same in EU version too.

I love your video man, they’re truly a work of art, from the high quality footage, to the cinematic, the sound clips, the in depth beauty with no bullshit you about every single vehicle, I love it. You can literally make me want any car that I’ve never ever heard of or even one I never ever desired because of how strangely elegant your videos are man. One of my fav car in depth review channels out there. Truly unmatched

As a 90’s and early 2000’s car audio but I really appreciate how they spend as much as they do on the audio systems on these cars.

great production quality as always. thanks for all you guys do!

2:58 The fingerprints shot, marvelous. :)

" When I heard this the first time, I thought it was broken." Love the candor. A Savagegeese trademark. :-)

Picked up my top of the line 2021 SEL Premium R-Line on Saturday in black. It's absolutely beautiful. Came straight here to watch everybody's opinions. The gloss black and the touch buttons don't bother me at all. It's easy when you get used to how it works. It drives like a dream especially on the highway (Where I spend most of my time) Don't pay too much attention to the price, even in this crazy car market I paid far less than MSRP.

I cross shopped this with a Kia Stinger GT Limited but went with the Stinger because of the looks, ergonomics, performance and value.

I love that the back opens up like that. I can already tell it's big enough to hold my light bright spare bulb inventory.

These VW's are so high end and so expensive, at what point do you switch to an audi and say "Yea this is an upgrade over a VW"?

A review from savagegeese is the only review that matters :P

Forget the piano black itself, the haptic controls are completely insane. If anyone likes these, I would like to hear from them as to why.

I wish the technical part was longer and more detailed. You guys do that great.

I don’t know why but I really like this review better then any other review of VW Arteon. It’s just feels good to watch this video. I seriously don’t know why.

Mark - you and your team have outdone yourselves. This space is incredible. Can’t wait to check it out!

Love your videos, this is no exception! Transistor radios didn't come out until the 1950s ;)

Had a brand new 2019 Arteon fully loaded for about a year. Amazing experience, it’s virtually an A5 prestige for like 20 grand less. Highly recommend it.

Loved the review. I just bought a 2020 Arteon because of this review and loving it. I made sure to get a 2020 because it was before the 2021 refresh like in your tester. The 2021 refresh brought all the horrible steering wheel and climate touch controls. Also the 2020's Dynaudio stereo is pretty solid, I'm very happy with it. Coming from 10 years of base model 5-speed Golfs!

I've driven the 2020 and now the 2021 Arteon for contrast. I actually prefer the 2021 despite the missing analog clock (I love that shit). It's serene, super comfortable and I loved driving it. Piano black sucked for fingerprints on the wheel, but the touch controls were perfectly fine and responsive for me. The physical wheel felt better in hand than the older model too. I'm trying to get my boss to get me one as a company car, hah.

Drove an Arteon SEL R-Line from my local dealer for several hours yesterday. I'll readily admit I'm no audiophile but I think such a harsh judgement regarding the base audio system is simply not warranted. Given Mark's condemnation I was on the lookout for how bad it was and tested it with the local classical music station. Programs featuring Chopin, Beethoven, and Gershwin were quite enjoyable to my plebian ears. :)

I love this car. While there are some quirks that need to be worked out, I think it gives prestige and individuality for the right price. I think Lexus should redesign the GS and make it a competitor against the Stinger GT and Arteon.

Awesome car and awesome video! 🔥 🔥 🔥

Lovely reviews as always, Mark and Jack! Any plans to do a fully in depth review on the new Suburban?

I met Jack at the Chicago Auto Pros Rise and Shine meet yesterday! Great review and great chatting with Jack about my GTI!

I see my next uber car!!! Well done as always savages

We've had the Arteon in Europe since the very first generation, with a multitude of engines, like any other VAG car. I would definitely compare it with the Passat, the cheapest Arteon is kind of at the same price as a Passat with the same optional features to match the Arteon, so it pretty much boils down to looks and personal preference.

I’m tinting one of these next week

Excellent review. It’s so refreshing to see a car review that does not sound like a sales pitch from a marketing department.

After testing the Arteon a year ago, I stuck with my Volkswagen CC. The DSG I have is much better and while the CC has a few gremlins, once they are sorted out, you're mechanically and electrically safe for quite awhile. Also, the Arteon's steering felt awful in comparison. I'd say anyone looking for an arteon that doesn't need the hatchback, should look at a used 2016-2017 volkswagen CC first.

Thanks to SG, I came... came for the video, stayed for the comments!

“So if you like that, then you’re gonna love this”! 😂😂😂

Now reaching my mid-thirties, I’ve started to feel sluggish. I have been diagnosed with low testosterone, so my doctor prescribed me a subscription to Mr. Goose and his Korean Gander.

They fixed a few things with the 2022. 300 hp/295 tq, 7 speed DSG too. As far as the stereo, I'm sure you could get some new speakers installed that would make it sound much better.

Welcome back, Saab!

Very good review.

Motorweek vibe with the steering wheel adjustment lol 😂

Hahahaha I love how brutally honest this channel gets!

Awesome Review.

That whole segment at 3:45 had me dying 😂

Great looking, sporty and the amount of space in the back is great, also frameless windows are so satisfying to look at...

I started watching savagegeese and my gasoline Honda Odyssey and Hyundai Santa Fe suddenly became drivers cars.

Excellent and fair review as usual, gentlemen. The Arteon's most obvious rival is the KIA Stinger (GT-line) with its 2.5L turbo and AWD. They're nearly the same size and share the liftback sedan design. Here in the Seattle area VW dealers are offering discounts of $6K to $7K on the mid level (SEL R-Line) and top trim (SEL Premium R-Line) versions that brings the SEL-R line transaction price down to the Stinger GT-Line 2.5L turbo engine with AWD and nearly the same as a Honda Accord 2.0L Touring or a Camry V6 XSE model neither of which offers AWD. There's little to distinguish the Arteon and the Stinger in terms of specs. For those who care about Americans' narrow measure of performance, acceleration to 60 mph, each does the job in around 6 seconds. The Arteon's overall passenger space is slightly greater than the Stinger, a result that stems mainly from the especially generous rear seat legroom in the Arteon (nearly 4" more than the Stinger.) The Arteon uses VW's corporate 2.0L EA888 engine. Having had that engine in a couple of GTIs it's a favorite of mine. The KIA, on the other hand, has the new 2.5L turbo that's being offered in a variety of KIA, Hyundai, and Genesis models. On paper the KIA is a stronger engine. But that ignores the fact that (a) VW engines are notoriously underrated in terms of HP and torque and (b) a 30 minute ECU tune from APR (that contrary to claims does not invalidate the VW warranty) erases the differences. Both vehicles utilize a conventional 8 speed torque converter automatic in US spec models. I'd personally prefer the superb dual clutch found in my GTI and fitted in the Euro spec version of the Arteon but VW believes Americans are leery of dual clutch transmissions' behavior so they opted for a conventional eight speed. Same with the Stinger. What it comes down to is a choice of "grand touring" sedans at affordable prices. One in the mold of classic GTs from Europe and the other a Korean interpretation of a European GT tailored for American tastes. As an owner of both a VW and a KIA I'd be hard pressed to choose between them especially given the Stinger's new 4 cylinder base engine, but I think the nod might go to the Arteon.

I had the low end CC and I loved it. Just like this one it seems more like an Audi but it has a clean modern touch that evolved straight from the 80s in a different way than other cars I've been in. Even though the trunk wasn't a hatch, it was surprisingly large. It had the dsg which sometimes if you coast then hit the gas say out of a turn, it might hiccup slightly. So maybe that's why they took it the dsg.

Do all of those touch controls work when wearing big winter gloves?

There was a reason Cadillac moved away from the glossy black touch sensitive buttons. Everyone hated it.

I have a ‘21 GTI, and I had a ‘09 Passat wagon. What mark said about the speakers is so accurate. The speakers in my GTI are fine. Not amazing, but fine. But in comparison to my Passat... night and day. The didn’t even have the Dynaudio system, and it still blew the doors off of my GTI speakers. VW used to have some truly fantastic speaker systems even without upgrading to the premium stuff.

Great review! I was between the new 21' arteon & 18' a5/s5 & thanks to your "low calorie performance" review I went with the s5 CPO instead, just thinking day to day. But this was Def 2nd choice esp the 21' it's really really nice for VW

Looking at the engine bay, it gave me flashback to the years when I owned one. For 10 years. The torture I went through at replacing ignition coils, window regulators, rebuild ABS control modules, rotting vacuum lines/valves, and unending CEL troubleshooting, deteriorating interior materials, etc.... Never again.

Can't wait for the capacitive touch shifters :)

I own a 2019 Version of this car and I can attest the review of this car as very accurate. I have so far over 21000 miles on mine in 10 months of problem free driving. Savagegeese is right the sound system is a level below okay. Okay for me but I'm not a music fanatic. My steering wheel and climate control is NOT touch screen so I don't have to deal with that issue. My ONLY complaint is the 20 inch rims. After 2 blow outs and one bent rim I went to 18s. It made the car even better.

I think about 2 years ago right when this released, its main competition was the Stinger turbo 4 and the Buick Regal. Those were the only hatch sedan's in that price segment. After that you are jumping up more than a few thousand for an A5 or 5 series Granturismo.

This car is VERY appealing among the sedans in its class. I love the design inside and out. Fantastic that it's a liftback. Beyond that initial appeal, it's a big nope from me. VW reliability in the US is below average. Repair costs are above average. That's a losing scenario. The capacitive touch buttons belong on a microwave, not in a car. The stereo sucks. It's priced in the luxury brand territory. For the money, I'd prefer a luxury-branded car with a V6 and better long-term reliability, like the Lexus ES.

If you can find one the 1st gen CC vr6 4motion is a fantastic used car. You can still buy leftover brand new 2.0Ts CCs. They are out there and it’s kinda hilarious.

i was thinking about this car yesterday for the first time in like a year

I subscribed to SavageGeese and now paino gloss plastic no longer shows up in my nightmares.

So unless they radically changed the stereo components for the 2021 model, then I think there was a problem with the stereo or source. I have a 2019 Arteon SE with the base stereo and it’s quite good IMO, way better than my 2018 Tacoma or the stereo in my wife’s 2019 CRV. As for others who always seem to mention a lack of reliability with VW cars, my Arteon has 18,000 miles on it and has had zero issues. I paid $6000 less than sticker, and I’ve seen cars equipped like the one reviewed here marked down $7k.

Guys, that was a very FAIR assessment of what this appears to be for a Volkswagen product. You both painted a clear picture, so thank you for that...👍

I saw one of these in my small town this week, I'd forgotten VW had built this car, never seen one on the road before. It was more of a surprise than seeing a DBX at the same traffic light a day later, though that was a surprise to be sure.

Every Savagegeese video makes me think I'm watching a Silence Of the Lamb movie. It's informative and creepy as Hell at the same time.

I drove this car a few years ago as a Test Driver and it was everyone's favorite car on the lot besides the Golf R.

Here we go again, Cinderella VW is jealous of her rich step sisters and wants to show them she can do luxury on a budget.

This car has intrigued me since it was released and I’m usually a small sporty hatchback car buyer. Thanks for the review goose.

Hell has a special place for this specific engineer with those black haptic buttons.

Thank you for calling out the incredibly dumb steering wheel touch system! Along with the center stack. The pre refresh was way better. One of the reasons I wouldn't consider it anymore. :(

Even though not as large, but there are sooo much better interior options for the price, I have no idea how can someone end up wasting 45k on this, it's ridiculous...

I had the CC (version just prior to the Arteon) one of my favorite features was the DCT, sad to hear it’s gone.

This was my ‘realistic’ dream car but after hearing how bad the audio system is, I don’t think I want one anymore, and I love, love the exterior design. I think the only other hatchback sedans in this category are the Stinger and A5.

wish the US got the proper R model, with the 300hp+dct from the golf r also with the wagon version

U should include paint review also in the reviews , like hows the paint job panels and orange peal or finish about it !

I have a 2020 Arteon. It has physical buttons for the climate control and steering wheel. Still have digital dash and the same infotainment. I am so glad I didn't get a 2021.

Arteon is my FAVOURITE Transformer

I wish they could give the Arteon a VR6 but then again it wouldn’t fit because the sloping hood line Still a pretty nice car tho

Man O man, .. VW AG fumbles, make that can't manage, outsourcing to Samsung (Harmon Kardon) the Arteon HiFi system. .. Remember the fully active VW/Dynaudio in the '2000s era Passat? .. It was a stand-out..

They tried and that's the best part. Perfect!

You continue to disappoint me! 🌚

It's in the name, art. The looks are what this thing does best.

Probably the best value in its segment along with the Stinger but everyone who leases these will want a badge that has more prestige. Discounts are insane on these right now and its a steal.

I have one of these. Mine is a first year model (in the US) so there's a couple small differences in the interior. I agree with pretty much everything the Geese brothers say except I think the auto trans programming is garbage. I'm sure it was done for fuel economy but the way this thing upshifts so early you're in third gear by the time you cross a large intersection. There's also not much difference in the shift points between the different driving modes (Comfort, Sport, etc). That being said this thing is fantastic on the highway. It's not affected by crosswinds and is pretty isolated from road noise even at 85 mph. There's zero wind noise and even with the glass roof open there's very little buffeting. I have the "upgraded" Dynaudio entertainment system and if the base one is crap then this one isn't much better. I think the digital cockpit is just a gimmick and would much rather have analog gauges. The fuel economy around town is pretty dismal but I get about 30 mpg on longer trips (keep in mind this motor uses premium grade gas). The best part about this car (other than the 6 yr/72K bumper-bumper warranty) is the room inside. This is much bigger than an Audi A5. Last summer we got 4 adults, 4 golf bags, and 2 week-end bags in the car with no problem.

Drink every time someone brings up turbowski